The Four Relationships Between Manas and Vijñāna

Psychological issues in individuals generally stem from problems with the Manas (the mental faculty). When the Manas is chronically misunderstood and unexpressed, suppressed over a long period, psychological problems arise, manifesting certain psychological symptoms. Addressing the psychological issues of the Manas relies on two main approaches: one is seeking help from others who understand psychology, and the other is relying on one's own consciousness (Manovijñāna). When the consciousness clearly comprehends the psychological state of the Manas and possesses the methods, capability, and wisdom to resolve the issues, it can gradually guide and alleviate the psychological emotions of the Manas. This allows the Manas to open up and resolve, eliminating depression and alleviating suppressed emotions.

Generally, the relationship between the Manas and consciousness can be categorized into approximately four types. The harmony and alignment between consciousness and the Manas fall into two scenarios, and their disharmony and misalignment also fall into two scenarios.

The first scenario: The Manas is virtuous, and the consciousness is also virtuous. The two are harmoniously aligned in virtue. The consciousness does not contradict the Manas and can even enhance the virtue of the Manas. The result is unreserved virtue, wholehearted virtue, virtue from within to without. There are no psychological issues; performing virtuous deeds brings even greater psychological ease afterward. This is great virtue, capable of yielding great virtuous karmic retribution. The seeds of virtuous karma mature quickly, and the virtuous retribution is received swiftly.

The second scenario: The Manas is evil, and the consciousness is also evil. The two are harmoniously aligned in evil. The consciousness does not contradict the Manas in the slightest and even enhances the evil of the Manas. The two together commit evil unreservedly, without hesitation. After committing evil deeds, they feel even more at ease, psychologically comfortable, feeling no shame or remorse. There are no psychological issues, but this is great evil. The seeds of evil karma mature quickly, and the evil retribution is received swiftly.

The third scenario: The Manas is evil, but the consciousness is virtuous. When the consciousness is wholeheartedly inclined towards virtue, the Manas feels uncomfortable and unwilling to be virtuous. However, compelled by environmental pressures, it has to act virtuously. This causes psychological problems in the Manas, which may lead to regret afterward. This psychological issue can sometimes be resolved, sometimes not. This constitutes true evil disguised as superficial virtue; its essence is evil. If the power of the Manas' evil is greater than the power of the environment, and the virtuous consciousness is relatively weak, failing to influence the Manas and permeate it unsuccessfully, evil karma will be committed. This is true evil. However, this is not always the case. If the consciousness is permeated by a wholesome environment, becoming increasingly virtuous, it can infect the Manas, overcome its evil, and potentially commit virtuous deeds in the future, ceasing to do evil.

The fourth scenario: The Manas is virtuous, but the consciousness, influenced by the environment, harbors evil intentions. When the Manas is forced by the environment to commit evil, psychological shadows, suppression, and remorse arise. This psychological issue can sometimes be resolved through repentance and remediation, but sometimes it cannot. A psychological knot forms within the Manas. This constitutes true virtue disguised as superficial evil; its essence is not bad. If the power of the Manas' virtue is relatively strong, and the power of the consciousness' evil is weak, unable to overcome the virtue or permeate it, ultimately the virtue of the Manas prevails, and virtuous karma is committed. However, this does not mean it is always so. If the evil environment persists and the power of the consciousness' evil strengthens, the Manas may also succumb to the evil of the consciousness and decide to commit evil karma. Thus, the Manas becomes successfully permeated by evil.